Guarding of Machine Hazards

On-the-job accidents date back to the building of the Egyptian pyramids. Fortunately, thousands of years of progress have resulted in many techniques that help prevent worker injuries. Machine guarding is just of those many safety techniques.

One of the goals of the OSHAct is to guard machinery and equipment to eliminate hazards created by points of operation*, ingoing nip points**, rotating parts, and metal chips and sparks. Moving machine parts can cause injuries such as crushed hands or fingers, amputations, lacerations, burns, and eye injuries.